When should you cut back perennials? Already in autumn or not until spring? We clarify this important question for hobby gardeners in our article.
Some perennials also adorn the garden with their seed heads in winter
Why a spring cut makes(er) sense
There are several good reasons why you should prefer a spring pruning:
- Protect perennials from cold and frost
- prevent beds that are too bare in winter
- attractive fruit and seed stands
- Benefits for birds and beneficial insects
Protection against cold and frost
The fact is that uncut perennials are better protected from cold and frost. You should never cut frost-sensitive plants in autumn.
No bare beds in winter
Late-flowering perennials do not need to be pruned in the fall. This is only necessary for species that sprout very early. It is therefore advisable to leave late flowering plants over the winter so that you can still enjoy a beautiful sight when you look into your garden this season.
Attractive fruit and seed heads
Speaking of enjoying the beautiful sight: Some perennials inspire in winter with beautiful fruit and seed heads, which are a real feast for the eyes, especially when covered with hoarfrost or snow.
Benefits for birds and beneficial insects
The dried seeds of the perennials are an important source of food for birds in the cool season. In addition, beneficial insects find a practical winter quarters in it.
Recommendation: Only cut back evergreen perennials such as golden strawberries or candytufts in autumn if they are overgrowing.
Important: You should always remove diseased parts of the plant in autumn to prevent diseases.
What to consider when pruning in spring
Be sure to prune early bloomers in the fall. In general, it is important not to shorten any fresh shoots - this would endanger flowering. Here are some essentials about the tool:
- To cut the perennials, use pruning shears or a perennial sickle. The latter is ideal as it cuts many stalks at once. With robust ground cover, you can also grab the hedge trimmer and use it as a scythe. To do this, simply angle the cutting head appropriately.
- Only use sharp tools to cut the perennials properly and not crush them.
- When cutting roses, the scissors must be completely clean and disinfected so that no pathogens are transmitted.
- Clean the tool used immediately after cutting the perennials so that the plant juices do not dry up.